Staff Writer
Botswana’s leading photo agency director, Monirul Bhuiyan of PressPhoto, has unveiled a photography book documenting the political journey of President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, offering a visual narrative of his life and leadership.
The book captures key moments from President Boko’s rise to the top leadership of the Botswana National Front (BNF) in July 2010 to the present day. Through a powerful collection of images, Bhuiyan traces Boko’s evolution into one of Botswana’s most influential political figures.
A significant portion of the book focuses on the formation of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), where Boko is depicted alongside fellow founding members Gomolemo Motswaledi, Motlatsi Molapisi, Dumelang Saleshando, and Ndaba Gaolathe, among others. The coalition movement forms the backbone of the visual story.
Speaking at the launch ceremony yesterday, attended by his wife and children, Bhuiyan expressed pride and excitement about the project. He said he has followed Boko’s political journey closely over the years and ensured that no pivotal moments were missed.
The book also highlights the close political partnership between Boko and Moeti Ceaser Mohwasa, now a Minister of State, who is consistently shown at Boko’s side during critical moments in the UDC’s development.
Bhuiyan’s lens further captures Boko’s defining trait of perseverance. Following a major political setback in the 2019 general elections when many political analysts wrote him off. The book documents Boko’s resilience and ability to regroup. His story is framed around the struggles of ordinary citizens facing unemployment, poverty, and political marginalisation.
Despite losing his parliamentary seat in 2019, Boko is shown rebuilding the UDC, eventually leading it to victory in the 2024 general elections and accepting the presidency.
For his part, President Boko admitted that he rarely takes photographs himself, describing himself as a shy individual. He praised the book as a thoughtfully crafted piece of art that speaks directly to the experiences of an ordinary Motswana.
Boko emphasised that self-belief, self-reliance, and determination can enable anyone to achieve their aspirations. He reiterated his view that the 2019 elections were marred by irregularities, which further motivated him to improve and persevere.
Reflecting on the 2024 elections, Boko said he remained calmer, focused on personal growth, and continued working behind the scenes despite frequent absences from the country. He added that the book revisits some of the most painful moments of his life, including disputes with the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), betrayal by close allies, and periods of self-doubt.
The photography book is currently on exhibition at the National Museum, with hard copies available for purchase at P450.
